Keep them monochrome, where possible, and use sparingly. Steer clear of anything resembling one of Nelson Mandela’s shirts (great on him, less good in your living room).
Flocked cushion £15 from Marks & Spencer. Photograph: guardian.co.uk
As with geometric prints, handle with care. Can easily tip your home from stylish to sleazy. But use a single item in an otherwise minimal room, and they take on a certain witty charm.
Leopard-print cushion £59, from John Lewis Photograph: guardian.co.uk
Keep them quiet and unassuming. A pair of white resin antlers and a cow hide in a pure white room is classy, but a zebra ottoman with leopard-print accessories equals Bette Lynch in the Rovers Return.
White resin antlers £124, from Graham & Green. Photograph: guardian.co.uk
The high street is thick with accessories the colour of a Serengeti sunrise. The key is the shade: no lemony pastel nonsense. This yellow needs to be egg-yolk rich.
Enamel mug £6.95, from Toast. Photograph: guardian.co.uk
Not pine or beech. Again, keep ornamentation to a minimum (straight legs, no mouldings, simple handles) or you’ll end up with a Balinese honeymoon suite (which sounds like a good idea, but isn’t).
Greenwich console table £600, from Laura Ashley. Photograph: guardian.co.uk
For that G&T after a heat-soaked day. Oversized storm lanterns, luxurious wicker sofas with squishy, cream cushions. Job done.
Autograph tall oval lantern £35, from Marks & Spencer. Photograph: guardian.co.uk
